The Champaign Police Department is currently investigating an armed robbery that took place at the Taco Bell restaurant, located at 1910 W. Springfield Avenue.

At approximately 9:06 AM, a man approached an employee who arrived at the drive-through window of the business to pick up the company’s bank deposit bag. At this time, an armed man approached the employee and demanded money. He then fled the scene on foot with an undisclosed amount of currency. Witnesses reported seeing the suspect running toward a building located in the 500 block of Crescent Drive.

Because it was reported the suspect possessed a gun, as a precautionary measure, the Champaign police secured the area around the apartment building and notified area schools. An ambulance was onsite to provide aid, in case injuries were reported.

After conducting a search of the apartment building, police discovered that the door of a residence had been forced open. The suspect was found in the shower of that residence and taken into custody. A resident of the home, who was in the apartment at the time, was not harmed during the incident. Officers later located the gun in a utility closet in that same building.

The suspect, Brion Howard, 21, of Champaign was arrested for armed robbery and unlawful use of a weapon by a felon.

The Champaign Police Department would like to thank the public for their assistance in locating this suspect and the following agencies for their support: Champaign County Sheriff’s Office; Federal Bureau of Investigations; and the IL State Police.

Information about this robbery can be reported to the Champaign Police Department by calling (217) 351-4545, or callers can remain anonymous by calling Crime Stoppers at 373-8477 (TIPS). Information can also be sent by anonymous web tip by going to: www.373tips.com or by texting keyword “CCTIP” plus the information to 274637 (CRIMES). Crime Stoppers will pay up to $1000 for information leading to an arrest.